Monday, March 9, 2009

Art and obscenity may share blurry borders, so how can you tell the difference? Come to Cartoonists Northwest’s March meeting for an adult conversation on “Cartoonist Censorship, Self-Expression, and Social Responsibility”.

The March meeting offers an engaging and constructive roundtable discussion on the purpose and practice of cartoon art. Attendees are invited to respectfully share views on this controversial subject, stimulating action toward creating more successful and expressive cartoons.

On the menu are incendiary and controversial images for dialogue on cartoon content, the psychological impact of symbols and concept of ‘audience’.

Among the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, certainly there is the right to create art, but how far does the right extend when shared in public?

It’s often been explained that one cannot wantonly shout “Fire!” in a crowded theatre, and then claim the right of free speech, thereby avoiding prosecution for the crime of malicious mischief.

CNW of course takes the principled stand for the rights of all cartoonists to create and present whatever they imagine, but no cartoon made by any member should be taken to represent the views of others. In truth, CNW members, most notably club treasurer Jeff Hamill, have voiced incensed reaction to member Steven Peterson’s cartoon, voted last month’s Best-of-the-Northwest winner.

To be crystal clear—the views depicted by Cartoonists Northwest members’ cartoons do not necessarily reflect the views of other CNW members!

Nowadays with so much public confusion and retribution in mass media, there is obviously an urgent need for a discussion about the boundaries protecting the time-honored art of cartooning as art.

Political humor can be ugly. Comedy, according to Steve Martin, is not pretty.Come away from the March CNW meeting fully wielding the power of cartoon art with respect and responsibility, a comely conquering comic champion!

Use main entrance at corner of Alaskan Way and Vine St. Street parking is free beginning at 6 PM.

ABOUT CARTOONISTS NORTHWEST: Cartoonists Northwest is an association of professional and amateur cartoonists who meet monthly to network, collaborate, and promote community among local artists. Established in 1981, CNW is one of Seattle’s longest-standing organizations and boasts membership of such artists as: Lynn Johnston (“For Better or For Worse”), David Horsey (Seattle PI), John Lustig (Disney and “Last Kiss”), Brian Basset (“Adam @ Home” and “Red and Rover”), Donna Barr (“The Desert Peach” and “Stinz”) and many more.

Become a member! $30 per year to become a member of Cartoonists Northwest – a bargain at twice the price! Plus you get a one-year subscription to the CNW newsletter, PENSTUFF. To heck with your un-read subscription to Newsweek! JOIN CNW TODAY! Contact: cartoonistnw@gmail.com